Earlier this week, Microsoft opened the doors of its  Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos, Nigeria. The event had in attendance, the minister of communications and digital economy – Isa Pantami. Also present was the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)- Kashifu Inuwa and Hakeem Fahm, the commissioner of science and technology, representing the governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

This initiative of Microsoft was designed to serve as an engineering centre for the development of locally-driven solutions, for the enhancement of the continent’s technological innovations in fintech, agritech and off-grid energy solutions, with a global impact. 

This development is in line with Microsoft’s 2019 commitment to strengthening the three pillars of connectivity, skilling and digital transformation, which they believe will, in turn, build strong foundations for the nation’s digital economy. in Nigeria. 

The new 81,000 SQFT, state-of-the-art facility which spans 7 floors, is located at the Kings Towers in Ikoyi, will house the Microsoft Garage, a program designed to promote hack culture and open innovation. The centre further houses the product engineering as well as the ecosystem development teams. A similar facility is located in Kenya. 

Speaking at the event, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President, Joy Chik says that Although Microsoft has been present in Nigeria since 2000, its operations were restricted to only sales and marketing. She further explained that the decision to scale activities in Nigeria was a function of the country’s market potential. She projected that the firm will engage over 500 persons in its payroll as the facility already houses 120 engineers and over 200 employees. 

Microsoft has committed to investing $100 million on the continent, in the next five years.